A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Kinsale for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Old Town

Should you visit Ghent or Kinsale?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ghent and Kinsale. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a colorful, charming, and quaint seaside town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Ghent and Kinsale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Kinsale?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kinsale. Although Ghent and Kinsale are popular destinations, Kinsale has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kinsale is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Kinsale is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. It is also well known for Charles Fort. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Kinsale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kinsale and Ghent. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ghent or Kinsale?

Ghent is great for its historical sights. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kinsale. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

Is the Food Better in Ghent or Kinsale? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is a moderate seaside town for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Kinsale is a good spot to see the beach. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Ghent and Kinsale.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Hiking?

Kinsale is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Kinsale offers some nice hiking trails. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Kinsale?

Ghent is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its shopping areas.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Many visitors go to Kinsale to go shopping. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Kinsale are nice family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Kinsale is a family-friendly city. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for its romantic activities. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for couples.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Kinsale is a good city for couples to visit. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Kinsale are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Kinsale is not popular with students.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Kinsale is not popular with students.

Is Ghent or Kinsale Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Ghent or Kinsale a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Kinsale is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its ease of walking around.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable city. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Kinsale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kinsale or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Kinsale?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ghent or Kinsale to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ghent than Kinsale because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kinsale.

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Kinsale. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ghent that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Kinsale if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ghent.

One day in Ghent or Kinsale?

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Ghent or Kinsale?

In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Kinsale?

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Kinsale is a fun place to experience. Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Kinsale?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Kinsale, we can see that Kinsale is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ghent Expensive? and Is Kinsale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Kinsale?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Kinsale, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Ghent or Kinsale?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ghent or Kinsale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Kinsale. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kinsale because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kinsale averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Kinsale. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 178 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Kinsale. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Kinsale in the Autumn?

Both Kinsale and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Kinsale. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Kinsale fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Kinsale during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Kinsale in the Winter?

Both Kinsale and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Kinsale for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. Ghent is much colder than Kinsale in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kinsale fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kinsale. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kinsale receives 60 hours of full sun.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Kinsale. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Kinsale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Kinsale. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kinsale in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is around the same temperature as Kinsale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Kinsale averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kinsale during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Kinsale receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Kinsale. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kinsale receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kinsale and Ghent